THOUSANDS of new homes could be built at Barking Riverside if building permission is granted for the next stage of development. Three new planning applications have been submitted to the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. This marks the begi

THOUSANDS of new homes could be built at Barking Riverside if building permission is granted for the next stage of development.

Three new planning applications have been submitted to the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation.

This marks the beginning of the first phase for the �1.9 billion development which will eventually bring 10,800 homes to Barking.

It is hoped the go-ahead will allow construction on the first 1,500 properties to begin this summer, with scope to build 2,500 more in the future.

Plans also include a new community centre, a primary and a secondary school, and improvements for much needed transport links.

Developers also want to create a polyclinic with a doctor's consultancy, as well as shopping and leisure facilities in what is at present a barren area.

The new development is set to transform the 150 hectare 'brownfield' site between Dagenham Dock and Creekmouth into a vibrant community, supplying jobs and housing.

Transport for London has already given the go-ahead for their super bus route - the East London Transit to be extended into the region.

Construction on the new transport link to connect Barking and Ilford town centres began last month.

The newly designed houses were developed by Shepherd Robson architects, Maccreanor Lavington architects, and Hyder Consulting engineers.

Barking Riverside and Bellway Homes are working with Barking and Dagenham Council to deliver three bedroom family homes, and an open space area with access to the river.

Groundwork is already well underway on site, with diggers and bulldozers levelling the land over the last year.

A spokesman for Barking Riverside Ltd said: "We have submitted a range of innovative designs for community-focused family homes and infrastructure - all of which demonstrate our intention to create a vibrant new environment that will benefit the wider Barking area."

Rob Whiteman, chief executive of council, said: "These applications are an important step in the process of creating a vibrant and sustainable community.

"The council will continue to support Barking Riverside in its negotiations to extend the DLR to Dagenham Dock, and to support the later phases of the development.